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Lowland Heathland / Acid Grassland Mosaic (HAG)

Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action PlanJanuary 2007

Habitat Action Plan

Table of Contents

Page

1. Description 1

2. National status 4

3. Local status 5

4. Legal status 7

5. Links to associated habitats & species 8

6. Current factors causing loss or decline 9

7. Current local action 12

8. Objectives, targets & proposed actions 16

9. Indicative Habitat distribution & Opportunities map 29

For further information please visit www.doncaster.gov.uk or contact;

Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership, c/o Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council,

Environmental Planning, Spatial Planning and Economic Development,

Directorate of Development, 2nd Floor, Danum House, St Sepulchre Gate, Doncaster, DN1 1UB,

Tel: 01302 862896, E-mail: [email protected]

MM67-120

Doncaster Biodiversity Action PartnershipDoncaster Council, Environmental Planning, 2nd Floor, Danum House,

St Sepulchre Gate, Doncaster, DN1 1UB.

Telephone: 01302 862896Email: [email protected]

www.doncaster.gov.uk/biodiversity

D O N C A S T E R L O C A L B I O D I V E R S I T Y A C T I O N P L A N

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1. Description

1.1 Lowland Heathland is characterised by the presence of dwarf shrubs such

as heather (ling) (Calluna vulgaris), bell heather (Erica cinerea) and cross

leaved heath (Erica tetralix) and is generally found at altitudes below 300

metres AOD. Heathland often occurs as a mosaic with dry acidic grasslands

and for this reason these habitats have been combined within this single

Action Plan. Dry lichen and bryophyte-dominated heath, areas of wet heath,

gorse (Ulex spp.) and broom (Cytisus scoparius) scrub, and birch (Betula

spp.) and oak (Quercus spp.) woodland also form important components of

the heathland mosaic.

1.2 There are three distinct types of Lowland Heathland present in the

Doncaster Borough, these being

• Natural heathland which has formed on sandy, acid soils following

historic woodland clearance,

• Heathlands that have formed following drainage and abandonment of

peaty soils, and

• Heathlands, which have developed on the acid shales of colliery spoil

heaps.

1.3 With the notable exception of the Humberhead Peatlands National Nature

Reserve (NNR), the occurrence of dwarf-shrub heath is very restricted, with

the heather elements often being sub-ordinate to acidic grassland. There are,

however, small stands of National Vegetation Classification (NVC)1

community types H9 Calluna vulgaris – Deschampsia flexuosa heath and H10

Calluna vulgaris – Erica cinerea heath.

1 Rodwell, J.S. (1991), British Plant Communities (Volume 2) Mires and Heaths. Cambridge


1.4 Doncaster's acid grassland communities have strong affinities with the

National Vegetation Classification (NVC) community types U1 Festuca ovina –

Agrostis capillaris – Rumex acetosella grassland, U2 Deschampsia flexuosa

grassland, U4 Festuca ovina – Agrostis capillaris – Galium saxatile grassland

and small elements of U5 Nadus stricta – Galium saxatile grassland. Stands

of bracken with affinities to the U20 Pteridium Aquilinum – Galium saxatile

community also forms a mosaic with woodland, grassland and heath

communities.

1.5 Scrub elements tend to be dominated by W23 Ulex europaeus – Rubus

fruticosus scrub community type; however, an unusual feature of the

heathlands of southern-central Doncaster is the abundance of dwarf gorse

(Ulex minor). This community has some affinity to the H2 Calluna vulgaris –

Ulex minor heath scrub a community but this is currently described as being

limited to areas of heath around Poole Harbour and the New Forest.

1.6 There are also historic and present day records of sand sedge (Carex

arenaria)-dominated 'dune' heath. This community has affinities with the NVC

sand dune community types SD 11 Carex arenaria -Cornicularia aculeata

dune and SD 12 Carex arenaria-Festuca ovina- Agrostis capillaris dune

grassland.

1.7 Lichen and bryophyte heaths are also an important component of the

heathland vegetation of many Doncaster sites although more work is required

to determine their affinities to NVC community types.

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1.8 Characteristic acid grassland species include bird's-foot (Ornithopus

perpusillus), wild pansy (Viola tricolour), heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile),

harebell (Campanula rotundifolia), early and changing forget-me-nots

(Myosotis ramosissima) and (Myosotis discolour), heath rush (Juncus

squarrosus), mat grass (Nardus stricta), wavy hair-grass (Deschampsia

flexuosa), early hair-grass (Aira praecox), silvery hair-grass (Aira

caryophyllea), squirrel-tail and rat's-tail fescues (Vulpia bromoides) and

(Vulpia myuros), purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea), sheep's sorrel (Rumex

acetosella), tormentil (Potentilla erecta), wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia),

common stork's-bill (Erodium cicutarium), sand spurrey (Spergularia rubra),

hare's-foot clover (Trifolium arvense), parsley piert (Aphanes arvensis),

buck's-horn plantain (Plantago coronopus), slender St John's wort (Hypericum

pulchrum), heath milkwort (Polygala serpyllifolia), and lawns of cup lichen and

dog lichen (Cladonia sp.) and (Peltigera sp.). Some damper sites also support

Sphagnum mosses (Sphagnum spp.) and cotton grasses (Eriophorum spp.)

but the gradual lowering of the local water table has greatly reduced the

amount of wet heath habitat. Species such as hard fern (Blechnum spicant),

spring vetch (Vicia sativa), shepherd's cress (Teesdalia nudicaulis), petty whin (Genista anglica) and heath cudweed (Gnaphalium sylvaticum) are

characteristic heathland plants which are now of very restricted occurrence in

Doncaster. Both European (Ulex europaeus) and dwarf gorse (U. minor)

occur as a scrub element of Doncaster heathlands and western gorse (U.

gallii) has also been recorded from a few Doncaster Lowland Heathland sites.

As its name suggests, western gorse is more typically found in western parts

of the UK and this species is at its eastern-most limit in the Doncaster

Borough.

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4

1.9 Lowland Heathlands support a range of birds and insects, many of which

are rare in Britain. Doncaster's heathlands are important for a number of

characteristic fauna including common lizard (Lacerta vivipara), adder (Vipera berus), nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), woodlark (Lullula arborea)

and invertebrates, specifically aculeate hymenoptera (mining bees and

wasps). A number of Red Data Book and Notable Invertebrate species are

also associated with dry and wet heaths. Heathland sites are also notable for

the diversity and abundance of fungi.

2. National status

2.1 Lowland Heathland is a national priority for conservation because it is a

rare and threatened habitat, the UK supporting about a fifth of the world total.

In England only one sixth of the heathland present in 1800 now remains2. The

largest areas of Lowland Heathland tend to be in the southern counties of

England; however, important and unique heathland habitats are associated

with the coversands of Lincolnshire and acid grassland/heathland mosaics of

the North Nottinghamshire/South Yorkshire border. Acid grasslands are

widespread in the upland areas of Britain but lowland acid grassland is much

more limited in its extent and is estimated to cover an area less then 30,000

ha in the UK.3

2 UK biodiversity steering group (1995). Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report. Volume 2: Action Plans.HMSO, London.

3 UK biodiversity steering group (1995). Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report. Volume 2: Action Plans.HMSO, London.


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3. Local status

3.1 Although examples of wet and dry heathland still survive in the Doncaster

Borough, these are but fragments of once extensive areas that had developed

in three distinct local geological areas.

3.2 In the far northwestern corner of the Borough are outcrops of Coal

Measures (Carboniferous) sandstones on which heathland and acid grassland

habitat have developed, as represented by the Site of Scientific Interest (SSI)4

at Howell Wood (SSI 6.1).

3.3 Fragments of heathland habitat occur along the Triassic Sherwood

Sandstone Ridge that runs north from Bawtry to Doncaster, and east from

Doncaster to Hatfield. The former widespread status of heathland is indicated

by historic place names referring to Lings and Commons. Several fragments

of heathland survive at Doncaster Common (SSI 2.39a & 2.39b), also known

as the Town Moor, Doncaster Low Pasture/Common (SSI 2.38), in the

extensive gardens of Cantley Hall Park (SSI 4.39a), at Doncaster Warren

(Golf Course) (SSI 2.48), Warren Wood (North) (SSI 2.47), Hurst Plantation,

Savage Brooks and Marr Flatts Wood (SSI 4.32) and Rossington Bridge Area

(SSI 2.49a). Sandall Beat Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a late

18th and 19th century plantation established on the site of old fen and

heathland. This heathland was originally contiguous with the heath and acid

grassland on Doncaster Common and linked to the heathland habitats of Pot

Hill (SSI 2.36a), Wheatley Golf Course (SSI 2.62), Shaw Wood (SSI 8.23) and

Hagg Wood (SSI 2.33a), Hatfield Lings (SSI 9.36), Barnby Dun Station Wood

(SSI 8.16) and Hollin Bridge Farm (SSI 9.39) Sites of Scientific Interest.

Bawtry Forest is an extensive area of heathland which has been affected by

afforestation but which still supports a diversity of key heathland species.

4 DMBC, Re-survey of Sites of Scientific Interest in the Doncaster Metropolitan Borough 1996/97, Volumes 1-9


3.4 To the east of Doncaster are deposits of glaciofluvial – laustrine sands

and gravels, most notably around Austerfield, Finningley, Blaxton, Hatfield

Woodhouse and Hatfield Moors. Heathland habitats and their important

associated faunal communities survive today on sites left after commercial

sand and gravel extraction. Many former quarries are Sites of Scientific

Interest, as at Blaxton Common (SSI 4.47a), Crow Wood, Great Wood and

Spen Close Plantation (SSI 4.41), Finningley Big Wood and Gravel Pits (SSI

4.31a), Hurst Wood (SSI 4.31b), Finningley Sand Quarry and Austerfield

Sandpits and Willow Holt (SSI 4.30), where operators have ensured the

successful restoration or protection of existing features, thus retaining assets

of national importance.

3.5 Important wet heathland habitats are represented in the Doncaster

Borough at two other Sites of Special Scientific Interest namely, Hatfield

Moors SSSI, and Thorne, Crowle and Goole Moors SSSI. These sites are

also Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and support internationally

important assemblages of heathland species. The nightjar population present

on the Moors means that these sites also qualify as a Special Protection Area

(SPA). On Hatfield Moors, refugia of vegetation have survived as rather dry

heathland and as birch woodland. Plants include the dwarf shrubs Calluna

vulgaris, Erica tetralix, cotton-grass (Eriophorum angustifolium and E.

vaginatum), cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), bog-rosemary (Andromeda

polifolia), bog-myrtle (Myrica gale), and the bog-mosses (Sphagnum

cuspidatum, S. recurvum, S. papillosum, S. subnitens and S. tenellum).

6


3.6 Heathland habitat have also developed naturally on old colliery spoil heaps in

many parts of South Yorkshire where parts of such sites have been purposefully

left to natural colonization rather than being subject to more formal reclamation.

The spoil heap in the Thorne/Stainforth Ashfields area, to the south of the

Stainforth-Keadby Canal, has naturally developed acidic grassland and heather

heathland. Lichen and bryophyte-rich vegetation is also found on some of the un-

restored flanks of the spoil heaps of Hatfield Colliery which lie to the south.

4. Legal status 4.1 Sites identified as SSSIs and SSIs have a presumption against

developments that would have an adverse effect on their conservation value.

4.2 Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas are afforded

protection at a European level under the Habitat Directive as implemented by

the Habitat Regulations (1994).

4.3 The Defra Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations apply to the

conversion of uncultivated land or semi-natural areas for intensive agricultural

purposes and therefore apply to heathland and acid grassland habitats.

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5. Links to associated habitats & species

5.1 The Lowland Heathland / Acid Grassland Mosaic Habitat Action Plan is

linked to the following Habitat Action Plans:

• Lowland Heathy Oak Woodland (LHW)

• Post Industrial and Brownfield Land (PIB)

• Lowland Raised Mire (LRM)

• Ancient and Species Rich Hedgerows (ASH)

• Arable Field Margins (AFM)

• Greenways (GW)

• Parkland, Wood Pasture and Veteran Trees (PWV)

• Urban Greenspace (UG)

5.2 ‘A Species Audit of Doncaster Borough’ has been produced as part of

the Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action Plan. Species highlighted in bold

within the Habitat Action Plans are identified within Doncaster’s Species Audit

and are conservation priorities. The Audit identifies 138 species associated

with Lowland Heathland / Acid Grassland Mosaic.

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6. Current factors causing loss or decline 6.1 Fragmentation and loss caused by development, especially quarrying,

expansion of built development, conversion to other land uses (mainly arable

agriculture and forestry) or by agricultural intensification. Conversely,

quarrying and restoration of sites provides excellent opportunities for

limestone grassland creation, and can therefore contribute to habitat creation

targets. Whilst quarrying does represent a potential threat, the reclamation of

sites provides excellent opportunities for heathland and acid grassland

creation, and can therefore contribute to habitat creation targets. Heathland is

of low productivity so is often ‘improved’ by the use of fertiliser, lime

application, herbicide application, ploughing and re-seeding. Past coniferous

afforestation of heathland sites (as has occurred at Howell Wood (SSI 6.1) on

the Coal Measures, and at numerous sites in the Humberhead Levels

including Crow Wood, Great Wood and Spen Close Plantation (SSI 4.41),

Black Carr Plantation (SSI 4.36), Bawtry Forest (SSI 4.54), Hurst Plantation,

Savage Brooks and Marr Flatts Wood (SSI 4.32)) requires careful

consideration for potential restoration projects. Extensive urban growth on the

Sherwood Sandstone Ridge, along the A18 Thorne Road corridor and along

the Old Great North Road (Bawtry Road) in the Cantley, Bessacarr and

Rossington Bridge area has removed and degraded some of the heathland

fragments within and outside protected sites.

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6.2 Uncontrolled access and inappropriate recreational use can be a problem,

although in some situations low-level use can be beneficial. Use by bikes,

motorcycles and off-road vehicles can lead to excessive erosion of heathland/

acid grassland habitats, and littering, fires, pollution and vandalism causes

disturbance to wildlife. This problem can be severe and has been an issue at

the Hatfield Lings (SSI 9.36) site and also on parts of Blaxton Common (SSI

4.47a). Formal off-road motorbike tracks have been created at Holme Wood

(SSI 8.30) and beside Crow Wood, Great Wood and Spen Close Plantation

(SSI 4.41) at Finningley to try to alleviate this problem.

6.3 Areas of heathland habitat on the former Doncaster Airport site (now

Lakeside) and around the racecourse have been lost to development and lack

of appropriate management. Any further development in these areas needs to

take account of the potential presence of heathland fragments.

6.4 The lowering of the water table and land drainage has caused the loss of

wet heath habitats from a number of formerly wet sites.

6.5 General lowering of water tables caused by abstraction for drinking water,

results in changes to drier habitat types. Future house building will need to

provide sustainable solutions to supplying water, to reduce the impact on the

main aquifers.

6.6 A lack of agreed ecological guidance on the management of roadside

verges and salting of roads has led to loss of species diversity and changes in

habitat type.

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6.7 Heathlands require management in order to prevent them from becoming

woodland. Conversely, overgrazing results in sites becoming dominated by

grassland. There is a general lack of the grazing management that was

historically an integral part of the management of Commons and heathland.

This means that in many sites there is rapid transition to birch, willow and oak

scrub. Lack of management can also be a problem on reclaimed mineral

extraction sites in the longer term after the statutory aftercare period has

ended. Where there are problems with maintenance during the statutory

aftercare period, the Minerals Planning Authority can use enforcement powers

to address this. Lack of management is also allowing encroachment of

ruderals and scrub on areas of acidic grassland in the grounds of Bawtry Hall.

6.8 There are fewer mixed farms and therefore fewer grazing herds available.

Modern breeds tend to be poorly suited to the poor grazing provided by

unimproved grasslands.

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7. Current local action Research & Monitoring 7.1 Natural England (formerly English Nature) has compiled an inventory of

the heathland sites South Yorkshire. Several Doncaster sites are included.

Thorne and Hatfield Moors are examples of heathlands on peatland soils and

Rossington Bridge, Hurst Plantation and the Lings at Hatfield are examples of

heathland on the Sherwood Sandstone.

7.2 Funding from the Big Lottery's Transforming Your Space initiative has

enabled the further development of the Biological Records Centre at

Doncaster Museum. The biological data collected as part of the project,

particularly botanical information for local sites, species and habitats has

enhanced the modern dataset. Historical biological information has also been

transferred to the database.

7.3 The borough has a diverse series of Sites of Scientific Interest (SSIs),

illustrating the variety of species and habitats that are represented on sites

throughout Doncaster. All SSIs were surveyed in 1996/1997 and again in

2004/2005, when additional candidate sites were also identified. Many known

Lowland Heathland /Acid Grassland sites have been identified as SSIs or as

candidate SSIs.

7.4 The Doncaster Naturalists’ Society holds regular field meetings and has

carried out detailed surveys of many heathland sites. The Society routinely

submit biological records to the Local Record Centre at Doncaster Museum.

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Safeguarding & Management 7.5 Funding from the Big Lottery's Transforming Your Space initiative has

enabled the development of a range of biodiversity initiatives, including the

resurvey of the Borough’s SSI’s, research projects, production of site

management plans and the provision of resources (equipment, educational,

activity and promotional materials) to help raise awareness and encourage

participation in the management and enhancement of local biodiversity. A

number of management plans have also been produced, including one for the

Mosaic Trust site.

7.6 Internationally important heathland sites on the Humberhead Peatlands

are protected by National Nature Reserve, SSSI, SAC and SPA status.

Management of these habitats is under the direction of Natural England.

Water level management plans are in place for the Humberhead Peatlands,

which contribute to the maintenance of the wet heath areas within this SSSI.

7.7 An area of Lowland Heathland /Acid Grassland at Austerfield Sandpits

and Willow Holt (SSI 4.30) is managed as a nature reserve by the Mosaic

Trust. The Trust runs field courses and educational visits for children.

7.8 Sandall Beat Wood SSSI and LNR is in Local Authority ownership and

Natural England is involved in advising DMBC on appropriate management

measures. The local authority worked with the Environment Agency to

increase water flows through the drainage system within Sandall Beat Wood,

which has improved the irrigation of the site. Pot Hill (SSI 2.36a) is also a

Local Authority-owned site with important areas of heathland habitat. Some

local authority owned woodland within the Sandland Heaths and Farmland

Natural Area have small pockets of heathland, such as Black Carr Plantation

(SSI 4.36). There is potential for other DMBC owned plantation sites such as

Insley Plantation (SSI 4.33) and Bawtry Road Plantations to have some

clearance for heathland regeneration. Management plans have been prepared

and implemented for Doncaster Low Pasture/Common (SSI 2.38) and Sandall

Beat Wood.

13


7.9 Many other sites are in private ownership and their management is under

the control of various commercial interests such as mineral extraction

industries and forestry managers. Sympathetic management to provide a

greater diversity of heathland habitats is being undertaken along electricity

way leaves and in other parts of the Bawtry Estate. Many of the Sherwood

Sandstone heathland sites are managed as golf courses and managers are

generally keen to retain and manage areas of heath as part of the course.

7.10 The management of Doncaster Low Pasture/Common (SSI 2.38) has

been undertaken by a specialist contractor to ensure sensitive management of

this degraded site, and the removal of shading boundary trees is planned.

Communications & Publicity 7.11 The Local Authority provides interpretive leaflets, and runs practical

management events aimed at involving local people in care of local sites.

7.12 The Ranger Service involves Barnsley youth Services in the

management of Howell Wood. There are some initiatives that aim to increase

the amount of heathland habitat and encourage appropriate management of

existing sites.

Funding & Resources 7.13 The new Environmental Stewardship Scheme provides funding for the

maintenance of field boundary features such as hedges (stock-proof

boundaries may enable reinstatement of traditional grazing management).

The higher-level scheme also targets the creation of new habitats on land

adjacent to, buffering or linking SSSIs or UK BAP habitats. It also targets the

maintenance and restoration of habitats in Sites of Importance for Nature

Conservation, known locally as SSIs. Sites chosen under Environmental

Stewardship for the creation of acid grassland or heath should ideally have a

Phosphate Index of less than 2, unless subject to other environmental

stresses.

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Advisory 7.14 DMBC has introduced a programme of continuous professional

development based on planning related issues, including 'Protected species'

and 'Trees and Hedgerows'. The Environmental Planning Team has produced

a suite of Supplementary Planning Documents, providing guidance on:

Planning for Trees and Hedgerows, Nature, Sustainable Construction and

Landscape Planning on Development Sites in Doncaster.

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8. Objectives, targets & proposed actions Please refer also to the Generic Actions in the LBAP Introduction & Overview document

Objective Target Ref Action Lead Partners Costs Category

1) To ensure the

protection and

maintenance of

existing Lowland

Heathland /Acid

Grassland Mosaic

Sites.

Continuous. 1.1 Prevent depletion of Heathland sites

resulting from development and/ or

the delivery of statutory functions by:

1) Having regard to the protection and

enhancement of habitats when

considering the allocation of sites, in

line with the approach set out in PPS9

and the priorities set out in the LBAP.

2) Having regard to the assessment,

retention and enhancement of habitat

types when formulating and making

Development Control Policies and

decisions, in line with the approach

set out in PPS9 and the priorities set

out in the LBAP.

DMBC, Natural

England (NE)

Staff costs Advisory/

Safeguarding &

Management


17


3) Providing advice to Development

Control and Developers on

appropriate types of survey i.e.

ecological and/or hydrological, the

interpretation of survey results and

methods of incorporating habitat

retention and enhancement into

development proposals (for both

designated sites and non-designated

features of biodiversity value, as

identified in the LBAP.

4) Having regard to the priorities set

out in the BAP in the interpretation of

UDP/LDF policies (and any supporting

SPGs/SPDs).

5) Providing technical advice on the

severity, implications and nature of

suspected breaches in planning

control (either conditions or

unauthorised development).


18


6) Awarding appropriate site

protection through designation, based

upon routine environmental

monitoring and assessment.

7) Ensuring that all Partners and

relevant landowners, service

providers and operational contractors

are informed of the existence and

importance of Lowland Heathland/

Acid Grassland (both designated and

non-designated sites).

Continuous. 1.2 Continue to collect and maintain up-

to-date, standardised, biological data

using the Museum’s Local Record

Centre. Promote and initiate

appropriate management, monitoring

and the exchange of environmental

data, to ensure the maximum level of

site protection is awarded and habitat

condition is maintained.

DMBC, NE,

Doncaster

Naturalists’ Society

(DNS)

Staff costs

and volunteer

time. Other

costs to be

evaluated

Future Research

& Monitoring


19


By 2008. 1.3 Expand DMBC’s Environmental

Planning protected species protocol to

include LBAP habitats and species.

DMBC Staff costs Advisory

2) To restore

degraded sites and

ensure appropriate

management of

Lowland

4 sites by 2010. 2.1 Develop and implement heathland

management plans for sites in public

ownership. Review existing plans to

ensure compatibility with HAPs and

SAPs.

DMBC £1000 per

plan = £4000

Safeguarding &

Management


20


4 sites by 2010. 2.2 Identify landowners of existing SSI

Lowland Heathland/Acid Grassland

Mosaics. Provide assistance to

owners seeking funding and/or

assistance for appropriate nature

conservation and grassland/

heathland management operations,

including:

• Reintroduction of grazing

management (where appropriate).

• Removal of invasive scrub

considered to be detrimental to the

preservation of heathland or

grassland species diversity.

• Cessation or reduction of fertiliser,

lime and herbicide input.

• Manage way leaves and fire

breaks and carry out selective

thinning within pine plantations to

reinstate heathland habitats.

• Manage golf-course roughs, and

semi-rough areas to favour the

spread of heathland species.

DMBC, NE (ESS)

Farming and

Wildlife Advisory

Group (FWAG),

Private

landowners. (in

particular Golf

Clubs)

£225 per site

x 4 sites =

£900

Management

costs to be

evaluated

Safeguarding &

Management


21


4 sites by 2010. 2.3 Identify all lowland heathland/acid

grassland mosaic sites where Priority

Species are present and implement

appropriate specialist management

schemes to benefit these species.

DMBC, NE (ESS)

FWAG, Private

landowners

NE involved in

management

implementation

once sites

identified and

brought forward for

Environmental

Stewardship

To be

evaluated

Species

Management &

Protection

Continuous. 2.4 Investigate the acquisition (where

necessary, and feasible) of Lowland

heathland/ acid grasslands of local

significance, in order to ensure their

future management for the benefit of

biodiversity.

YWT, DMBC, local

Trusts

£5000 per ha Safeguarding &

Management


22


By 2010. 2.5 Extend Sandall Beat LNR to include

Doncaster Common (Golf Course)

and Doncaster Low Common SSIs.

Develop and implement sympathetic

management plan for heathland and

acid grassland species. Review

existing plans to ensure compatibility

with HAPs and SAPs.

DMBC, Doncaster

Racecourse, Town

Moor Project

Initial capital

works =

£14,600

Annual costs

= £17,540

Safeguarding &

Management

By 2008. 2.6 Develop and implement sympathetic

heathland /grassland management for

species-rich verges. Review existing

plans/maintenance regimes to ensure

compatibility with HAPs and SAPs.

DMBC, Highways

Agency (HA)

£727 per

annum

Safeguarding &

Management


23


2 SSI heathland sites by

2010.

2.7 1) Prevent disturbance to the wildlife

of grasslands and heathlands by the

control of recreational access and

prevention of inappropriate and

damaging activities. Produce action

plans in conjunction with SY Police

where necessary.

2) Investigate the use of suitable

alternative, less sensitive sites, with

responsible motor sports clubs.

Contact responsible motor sport

clubs, to raise awareness of the timing

and sensitivity of activities in particular

areas and to encourage policing by

members.

DMBC, Motorsport

Clubs, NE, SY

Police, Private

landowners

To be

evaluated

Safeguarding &

Management/

Advisory

1 management plan by 2009. 2.8 Draw up Water level Management

Plans for sites with wet heath habitat.

Promote the need for more

sustainable water abstraction policies.

DMBC, EA, YW,

IDBs

£640 Safeguarding &

Management


24


3) To create 2 ha

Lowland

Heathland/Acid

Grassland linked to

existing heathland

grasslands, woodland

and scrub habitats

within the Coal

Measures and

Humberhead Levels

Natural Areas.

2 sites planned with costs

prepared by 2010.

3.1 Work with landowners /quarry

companies to find sites where new

lowland heathland/acid grasslands

can be created (principally through

arable reversion or restoration of sand

extraction sites) without loss of other

priority habitats. Prepare costed

restoration proposals for 2 sites and

identify grant aid opportunities.

Promote reinstatement of heathland

from scrub habitat in carefully

selected sites.

DMBC, YWT,

Private

Landowners

There are options

for arable

reversion to acid

grassland and

lowland heath

under ESS

Staff costs Advisory/ Habitat

Creation &

Restoration


25


By 2008. 3.2 Prepare a list of sand and gravel

quarries and un-restored colliery sites

and establish ownership details and

their current status in the Minerals

Review process (i.e. active/ awaiting

approval of restoration/ end use

decided). Investigate and promote the

creation of appropriate lowland

heathland/acid grassland habitats in

the restoration of these sites. Specify

the use of seed from local sites and

the use of plant plugs grown on from

seed gathered from local heathland

and acid grassland sites, where

possible.

DMBC Staff costs Habitat Creation

& Restoration


26


2 ha by 2010. 3.3 Use new heathland/acid grassland to

link existing woodland, grassland and

scrub habitats. Use local provenance

seed and plant plugs to augment

diversity of species-poor previously

restored minerals sites.

DMBC, FWAG,

NE, Private

landowners

There are options

for arable

reversion to acid

grassland and

lowland heath

under ESS

£4000 initial

works per ha,

plus £200 per

annum

2 ha = £8000

capital works

and £400 per

year for

maintenance

Safeguarding &

Management/

Habitat Creation

& Restoration

Continuous. 3.4 Incorporate areas for heathland

creation in new semi-urban and rural

planting schemes in the sandy areas

of the Humberhead Levels Natural

Area. Promote the creation of acid

grasslands (on nutrient poor

substrates) in suitable low-

maintenance areas.

DMBC Staff costs Advisory


27


Continuous. 3.5 Research the establishment and

running costs and operational

requirements of a native seed project

with existing nurseries to grow on

seed gathered from local grasslands/

heathlands. Pursue opportunities to

implement feasible initiatives.

DMBC, YWT,

DNS, NE, British

Trust for

Conservation

Volunteers (BTCV)

To be

evaluated

Habitat Creation

& Restoration /

Species

Management &

Protection

Continuous. 4.1 Continue to provide interpretive

leaflets, organise walks, and run

practical heathland/ grassland

management events.

DMBC, NE, YWT,

BTCV

To be

evaluated

Communications

& publicity

1 per year. 4.2

Run species survey and identification

workshops open to the general public.

DNS £256 Communications

& publicity

4) Raise public

awareness of the

importance and

special characteristics

of Lowland

Heathland/Acid

Grassland Mosaics. 1 leaflet by 2008 4.3 Provide an interpretive leaflet to

explain the special value of Lowland

Heathland/Acid Grassland and include

a map showing the location of the

more accessible sites.

DBMC, NE £1000 Communications

& publicity


28


1 demonstration by 2008. 4.4 Promote good practice through the

use of demonstration sites and

workshops.

DMBC, NE,

Linking the

Environment And

Farming (LEAF),

YWT, BTCV

£2640 Advisory/

Communications

& publicity

By 2010. 4.5 Offer support for Undergraduate/ Post

Graduate research project to carry out

DNA analysis of Scots Pine from

Hatfield Moors and compare with

Caledonian and European

populations.

DMBC, Yorkshire

Naturalists’ Union

(YNU), Doncaster

College, Local

Universities

(Nottingham/Sheffi

eld)

£640 Future Research

& Monitoring


9. Indicative Habitat distribution & Opportunities map

The distribution of Lowland Heathland / Acid Grassland Mosaic has been

indicated by mapping species considered to be local indicators for this habitat,

as selected by local experts. Certain species that may be considered to be

typical indicators of the habitat have not been used, due to them being

abundant throughout the Borough, or unrepresentative of a local habitat

peculiarity.

The indicator species for this habitat are:

Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erodium cicutarium, Galium saxatile,

Ornithopus perpusillus

The species records have been compiled based on 1km grid squares of the

Borough. The resulting score is based on how many of the different species

are found within a particular square, reflecting a degree of match to the

species assemblage, and not the number of records of a specific species.

To indicate how good a match each grid square is to the habitat a graduated

colour has been applied, based on how many species are recorded in that

square as a percentage of the highest number of matches. The higher

percentage shows a better species match and therefore is a better indicator

that the species assemblage exists, or could exist in that area. The

percentages are split down as follows:

0% No matches in a grid square – these are left blank

1-25% 1 Species

26-50% 2 Species

51-75% 3 Species

76-100% 4-5 Species

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